Home Invasion Leads to Gunfire and Arrests—Homeowner Charged After Shooting at Fleeing Suspect’s Tires

SLIDELL, LA — A home invasion in the Slidell area on the evening of March 31 resulted in two individuals being charged, including one of the homeowners, after shots were fired during and after the altercation.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 42000 block of U.S. Highway 190 East. Investigators determined that 52-year-old Tyrone Mercadel had forcibly entered the home by kicking in the door and then physically assaulted the female homeowner inside.

A struggle followed as the homeowners attempted to remove Mercadel from the house. During the altercation, the female homeowner fired two rounds in self-defense, striking Mercadel in the leg.

Mercadel fled the scene on foot but not before the male homeowner, identified as 53-year-old Wayne Mercadel, fired several rounds at the tires of the suspect’s vehicle in an apparent attempt to prevent him from escaping before law enforcement arrived.

Detectives later located Tyrone Mercadel nearby. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. A warrant for his arrest was issued, and he will be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center upon his release on one count of Aggravated Burglary.

Wayne Mercadel was also taken into custody Monday night and charged with Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property. Authorities emphasized that the incident was not random, and that Tyrone Mercadel was known to the homeowners—though the exact nature of their relationship was not disclosed.

This case underscores an important legal and tactical consideration for armed citizens: the use of deadly force is generally only justified when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. Shooting at a fleeing suspect, especially by targeting a vehicle’s tires, is not only legally risky—it’s physically dangerous. Bullets can ricochet off pavement or wheel rims, potentially injuring bystanders or the shooter themselves. In this incident, the male homeowner’s decision to fire at the tires led to criminal charges, despite the initial justification for defensive action inside the home.